GRASS VALLEY, Calif. — The Center for the Arts raised $246,798 in gross revenue at its annual gala, An Evening in Paris, on October 17, bringing its total fundraising for the year to approximately 70% of its $870,000 annual goal. The event was The Center’s first gala since 2024, matching the record-setting total raised that year.
Gala proceeds support The Center’s year-round artistic programming, arts education, and efforts to make performances more accessible to youth, families, and the wider community. With a full season of performances still ahead, The Center invites residents throughout Nevada County to help raise the remaining $250,000 by December 31. A gift of any size or a membership helps sustain a vibrant arts destination for the entire region.
“Saturday’s generosity gives us real momentum as we look ahead to the coming year,” said Michelle Amador, who joined The Center as executive director in June. “The Center brings extraordinary artists to our community and creates opportunities for people of all ages to experience the arts. Community support helps keep those experiences within reach, from arts education for young people to ticket discounts that make it easier for more neighbors to join us. We want The Center to be a place where everyone in Nevada County can find a seat, discover something new, and feel they belong.”
The Center’s impact extends beyond its stages and galleries. Its programming contributes nearly $5 million in local economic activity each year, supporting the cultural vitality of downtown Grass Valley and the wider region. Through its annual Open Studios tour, The Center also helps local artists connect directly with buyers and generate income from their work. Community philanthropy helps sustain the artistic programming, arts education, and access that make this impact possible.
The gala was co-chaired by Lisa Swarthout and Olivia Pritchett, with committee members Gaylene Tompkins and Eli Bacon, alongside Center staff. Guests enjoyed French ballads by Tamara Fouyer, a preview of Holt Ballet Conservatory’s Clara & the Nutcracker, premiering December 4 at The Center, and a closing performance by Lolo Gervais.
Dinner was catered by Bouquet Garni, with desserts by Cake, and flowers by Foothill Flowers. Live auction packages were donated by The Onyx; Leslie Barbazette of Wolf Craft; Bri Ingram of The Parsonage; Thad and Stephanie Raczkowski of Bicycle Thief; Antonio Ayesterán Catering; Jon Blinder, president of The Center’s board; and legendary rock photographer Henry Diltz, whose private portrait session went to two winning bidders.
The evening brought together civic leaders and representatives of the region’s arts and nonprofit communities, including Nevada County Superintendent of Schools John Baggett, Nevada County Supervisor Hardy Bullock, Grass Valley Mayor Jan Arbuckle and council members Hilary Hodge and Haven Caravelli, and Nevada City Mayor Daniela Fernández and council member Doug Fleming. Also in attendance were Julie Baker, CEO of Californians for the Arts and California Arts Advocates and former executive director of The Center; Cristine Kelly, executive director of the Community Foundation of Nevada County; Jesse Locks, executive director of the Nevada City Film Festival; Julie Hardin, executive director of InConcert Sierra, and representatives of Bright Futures for Youth and Nevada County Arts & Culture.
The evening was presented by Holger Hahn and Shirley Kinghorn. Atelier Sponsors were Dignity Health Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital, ARC Law Group, Tucker Commercial, and MEC Builds Inc. Experience Sponsors were Lisa Swarthout (champagne), A Friend of the Center (live auction), and Baird: The Lee & Dunn Group (entertainment). The Center board and staff also thank its Salon Sponsors, guests, donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Link to 2026 Gala Image Gallery: https://photos.app.goo.gl/arien6SUPf6JZ2EW7
To make a gift or become a member, visit www.thecenterforthearts.org.
About The Center for the Arts
The Center for the Arts is Nevada County’s cultural anchor, presenting live performance, visual art, and youth arts education in downtown Grass Valley since 1998. The Center connects the community with artists and ideas from around the world while creating opportunities for local audiences, youth, and families to experience and participate in the arts. Learn more at www.thecenterforthearts.org.